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Ciao Karina,
I’m in the same boat - heading to Umbria next week. I bought a house in Perugia and am having renovations done - hopefully complete by August 10th. My aim is to have my B and B up and running by the Summer 2022. I’m meeting with an immigration lawyer once there to get my application for residency started. I do know that it can be a lengthy process (thanks Brexit!) and once you start the process you have to remain in Italy for a minimum of 45 days. There are a number of things you need for your application such as a social insurance number, criminal records check, etc - easy enough to find this information online.
Do you have a property?
When do you plan to travel?
I’m happy to help as I go through the process myself if you like??
Linda

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the info... We haven't made any applications yet as we are trying to research which Visa to apply etc and we have property here to sell.  Have you purchased already for your new business and what Visa have you applied for? We are trying to get our ducks in a row beforehand and knew Brexit would be an issue... Are you registering as a business and are you using a notary for the process?

Thanks in advance,
Kx

Hi Karina,
I do have a property already, in Umbria. I will be applying for residency as soon as I get there - heading by car next week. I will also apply to register my B and B once there too. Lots to do - register my car, etc, and of course, the ‘green card’ application!!
I’ve sent you a contact request in case you’d like to connect via other means!
Linda

Hi,
We ran a B&B near Citta della Pieve for 12   years, before my husband became ill, its was a wonderful experience, met loads of lovely people some we are still in contact with as friends. Hope the following will help:

You should visit the Italian Consulate in your country of residence to confirm which entry documents and permits you will need for your relocation.

The Start-Up Visa for permanent residence in Italy

One of the main programs dedicated to non-EU citizens is the Start-Up Visa program which was launched in 2012. Under this scheme, non-EU citizens can set up companies in Italy and relocate here, therefore, they will be able to both live and work here. The main requirement for qualifying for this program is to invest 50,000 euros, however, the amount can be higher. Another requirement that does not have to do with money is for the company to operate in innovation. Among these, investments in research and development (R&D) activities are encouraged in Italy.

The Start-Up Visa can be obtained by filing a business plan with the Evaluation Committee or by accessing it through a business incubator.

The following documents must be filed with the Committee in order to obtain a Start-Up Visa which leads to permanent residence in Italy:

    an application form;
    the no impediment certificate;
    a cover letter providing for the funds to invest in the project.

A great benefit of the Start-Up Visa Scheme is that the application can be filed directly in English. If the applicant desires, he or she can also file in Italian.
The Italian self-employment visa for foreign citizens

Entrepreneurs have another way of relocating to Italy and that is by obtaining a self-employment visa. This type of residence permit is not difficult to obtain, however, in terms of requirements, one of the most important refers to securing contracts that allow for sufficient means of supporting oneself. Employment contracts can also be considered for this visa which can lead to permanent residency in Italy.

We're sure you have investigated the visa & residency requirements on many sites but perhaps these will also help:



also:

To date, you do not need any specific vaccinations to visit Italy although if you have any concerns, you can check the TravelHealthPro website for more specific information.

You should also ensure you have travel and health insurance before your departure. Once you have a tax code(code fiscicale )  working and paying taxes ( get an accountant to deal with this its way to complex and they will sort everything for you.)  you will be able to apply for a health card to get health care in Italy. We pay a portion of the costs depending on the tax you pay, it isn't too much, for treatments and prescriptions. Vitamins, herbal remedies and certain procedures (ultascans) are not included on the health scheme.
Once you arrive

A foreigner who enters legally in Italy, within eight working days, must request permission to stay. The document will have a motivation the same as indicated in the visa.

If you plan to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days, you must ensure that you have signed the Declaration of Presence, which can be filled out at the local police headquarters.

If you decide to work or study in Italy, you will have to apply for a "Tax Code" on your arrival. This number will allow you to complete all administrative procedures and grants you the right to work or study in the country. If you are planning to stay in Italy permanently, you will need to apply for a resident permit at the nearest town hall (comune see below....

By law, you must be able to show some form of identification at all times. Copies are sometimes accepted, though you may be asked to provide an original copy within 24 hours. Police will usually always ask for your passport, an identity card, as well as a full license.
Driving in Italy

If you plan to drive in Italy, you will need to ensure you have the relevant license to do so. If you are a European citizen, an EU drivers license will suffice, though those who do not possess one will need to apply for an international driver's license before traveling to Italy.
How to apply for residency in Italy

You will need to provide:

    Your tax code
    Your passport and that of any other family member who wishes to become a resident in Italy. EU citizens can produce their national ID card. Remember to bring the original and photocopies
    A completed and signed residency application form
    A rental contract for your home or a certificate from the owner of the property stating that you live permanently with them
    The request form to exchange the driver's license or the registration certificate, if necessary

You can download these from your town hall website. You will also need to apply for a declaration of changed residence, for payment of the TARI tax which covers the cost of waste disposal in your municipality. For this, you will need to provide your codice fiscale (tax code), the size of your residence, and the date you started living there or the date that purchased it.

We hope this is useful and doesn't confuse matters for you,

Kind Regards,

Marguerite

Thanks so much for this information - alot in there to take in.  We are at the very, very start of our life journey, but want to ensure we apply for the correct documents before we invest in a property / business idea...
We would like to be purchasing within 12 months, once we have carried out some further investigations.... as to the areas we want to live and obtaining the right property for our needs.  I understand the application process is timely however, are the Consulates helpful?

Again, thank you in advance,
K

As far as we know they are helpful but in August practically the whole of Italy comes to a stop so don't expect any answers soon   Look also at the UK government site has lots of very helpful information, we subscribe to stay up to date despite living in Italy its the quickest way to get the info after the recent upheavals:

Once you have found your preferred location, and we'd advise good road and rail links with nearby  amenities, as no guest wants to be stranded or has to travel a lot to get to places of interest, also a pool is essential and getting permission for one and building is very and expensive these days ( a friend was quoted 30k -50k for a 5mx10mx 1m by the geometra just last moth), then go to the local comune and ask them what is required.
In our area for a B&B the rules were 3 guest rooms per full time host, so if one of you has an external job that's the max, 2 of you full time 6 bedrooms, then all we had to do was register with the comune who passed our details to the tourist office who came and inspected the place suggesting any changes to conform to legislation and then set room rates, they add you to the tourist office info in your province ( we're on the Tuscan/Umbria border and the tourist offices have no idea what is available in each other provinces so its a good idea to get all the free maps, guides and event calendars from both for your visitors)  and off we went.
There is a bit more paperwork but nothing difficult e.g
All guests from outside the EU must be registered with the local police ( its possible on line since covid) within 24 hrs  and any EU guest in 3 days - its just their passport details essentially.
Everyone is very helpful and want new businesses in the tourist & hospitality trades especially now & Its not as daunting as it sounds, honest.

Good hunting
Marguerite

Hi,

Thanks again for the info... Which visa did you apply for and did you have residency prior to your property / business purchase? I suppose we are considering do we purchase a property for our home / business prior to the visa application.  I understand you left the UK 12 years ago and started your B&B, so I am just trying to understand the timing for everything.

My partner and I are not married, hence would you forsee any issues for the joint application for the property purchase / business plan.

We are looking at the visa that would require the 50k Euros behind you, hence, would this be seen as a partnership.   I have read that you could re-apply for this visa after 1 year, then 2 years plus 2 years.

Do you get much business via the tourist board and what other marketing methods do you use?  We were wondering the ease of availability of building supplies and also trades people should they be required. 

Looking forward to Italy opening up soon, so we can start our journey...

Thanks again in advance,
K x

Hi Marguerite,

Also, did you use a Notary for the start of the process and the property purchase?

Thanks so much,
K x

Hi Karen,
I hope this explanation of the system here will help a little.

Usually the first step to purchase, once a price has been agreed and everyone knows what is included or excluded ( we arrived to discover no light fittings, loo seats or kitchen as they weren't listed in the paperwork) is 'The promise to buy' compromesso' which has all the fine details and it can be written by a geometra (who charges by the hour or fixed rate plus iva) or an immobiliare who charges 3 - 6% of the purchase price plus IVA at 22%. This will also include how much of a deposit is to be paid and when the rogito ( deeds) are to be signed over at the notary. At the signing of the compromesso the agent wants their fee from both the buyer and seller ( at the full percentage so 4% each plus tax not divided between them!) The deposit is usually  10% and non refundable, unless a provision is made, for example if the purchase is dependent on getting a mortgage, so if the buyer backs out they lose the deposit, if the seller backs out they pay double the deposit, and either way the agent still get their % !

A Notary is a legal requirement, usually selected by the buyer, a Notary is not on anyone's side like a solicitor or lawyer would be, they are an official who transcribes the deeds ensuring all legal requirements have been followed, and both buyer and seller agree on what is being bought and sold. The bank transfer will be confirmed to the notary and then the paperwork is signed by everyone or their representatives.
On the point of signing the buyer must pay the registration taxes and the Notary fees. Note it is illegal to sign a document you do not understand so if your Italian is not good the paperwork must be translated.

Ciao
Marguerite

A geometra is the last person to ask to write a compromesso.   He has no abilitazione to do so, and although it is a carta privata, it is best to get it done by a registered estate agent or a notary.
Not all agents ask for their fee at compromesso - although the law allows it, a good agent will be happy to take it at the final act.  I have never heard of an agent taking 6%,  it seems way over the top.  3% is usual, some agencies at the top end of teh market now try for 4%. 
If the purchase is dependent on a mortgage, then tell the agent that his money is dependent on the sale going through, otherwise you walk and they lose a client.  Most agents will happily apply this clause.